MENDHAR, Sep 9: A 24-year-old youth and a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan were today injured in a ceasefire violation by the Pakistani army along the Line of Control in Mendhar Tehsil of Poonch district.

Official reports said that Pakistani troops opened fire from heavy weapons and mortars from across the border in Krishna Ghati and Mendhar sectors starting at around 10.30 AM, prompting retaliation by Indian troops guarding the border.

Reports further said that there was heavy exchange of firing in the initial first hour in which forces on both sides used heavy mortars followed by small arms firing till 1.30 PM. At-least 22 Indian Forward Posts were targeted by Pakistani troops 641 Mujahid Regiment but main target were 8 Forward Posts in Mendhar and KG sectors

A BSF Constable SK Swayan posted with 200 Battalion BSF sustained splinter wounds on his right hand and First aid was provided to him at his Unit while civilian, Mohammad Younis, 24, son of Abdul of Becahri was injured when a shell exploded in playground wherefrom he was passing by while on his way towards Mendhar in Balnoi sector this morning. He sustained splinter injuries on right shoulder and after First aid at Sub District Hospital (SDH) Mendhar he was discharged by the doctors. A buffalo was also killed and a house damaged in the shelling, official reports said.

The exchange of fire was continued between the two sides till 1.30 PM.

The latest ceasefire violation coincides with Home Minister Rajnath Singh's four-day visit to the state.

Today's firing comes barely two days after Pakistani troop targeted a forward post along the LoC in Poonch, injuring two Army porters. The firing on September 7 lasted only for 10 minutes.

Earlier, on September 1, Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Kamaljit Singh of the Border Security Force (BSF) sustained bullet injuries due to enemy fire from across the LoC at a forward post in Krishna Ghati Sector, an officer said.

He was provided first aid and evacuated from the post but unfortunately succumbed to the injuries, he said.

On September 4, Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire twice by firing at forward posts along the LoC in Degwar and Maldalyan areas in Poonch and along the International Border (IB) in Arnia sector of Jammu.

On September 3, Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics and mortars in Krishna Ghati sector in Poonch along the LoC.

SRINAGAR, Sep 9: Union home minister Rajnath Singh today said he is in Kashmir with an open mind and willing to meet anyone who “will help us in finding solutions to problems facing J&K.”
He made this brief statement on Twitter. After his arrival from New Delhi, the union home minister he had a meeting with chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, reviewed the status of implementation of the Prime Minister's Development Package (PMDP) at a high level meeting.
A statement by PIB said 24 delegations of v